Holistic Skin Care
By: Dr. Loretta Lanphier, ND, CN, HHP, CH
Our bodies have a wonderful way of healing and restoring themselves, and our largest organ, the skin, is an excellent example of this. The same building blocks that nourish the overall body specifically work within the skin to aid in new cell growth, damage control, and protection against toxins and pollutants. Many skin care products seek to conceal rather than heal imperfections and blemishes. Holistic skin care takes a different approach. Holistic products work with the body's innate ability to heal and beautify itself.
Vitamins, minerals, herbs, and other natural substances are excellent choices for hydrating, protecting, and healing the skin, and to deal with conditions such as sun damage, acne, and other blemishes. Holistic care also provides many benefits to the body as a whole, both physically and emotionally, leading to less aches and pains from inflammation, and peace of mind as well. Let's see what our skin can gain from holistic care.
Protection from the Sun
Certain vitamins are very useful at protecting from and even reversing the effects of the sun on our skin:
Vitamin A can reverse the aging effects of the sun by minimizing wrinkles and decreasing both the size and number of age spots. It also tends to decrease the size of the pores, and boost overall skin texture as well.
Vitamin B is especially useful when applied topically. It has anti-inflammatory qualities that reduce swelling and red skin. It bolsters capillary walls and reduces pore size too. It also helps to regenerate DNA in the skin.
Vitamin C acts as a strong antioxidant to protect against free radical damage and other affects of ultraviolet rays. It also promotes the production of collagen, which keeps the skin supple and smooth.
Vitamin D is also a great topical aid for healthy skin. One thing to be aware of is that many sunscreens block the body's natural production of vitamin D. Thus the use of a natural sunscreen such as UV Natural is recommended.
Turning Back the Clock
Like it or not, time waits for no one. Our skin often takes a beating as we age, becoming wrinkled, discolored, and drier. The effects of aging can be increased by other factors too, such as environmental pollutants, stress, and poor diet. The following natural substances can be a great help to prevent and heal aging skin.
Vitamin C: To increase collagen levels and as an antioxidant that fights free radical damage.
Vitamin E: To protect from sun damage and smooth out the skin's appearance.
Bioflavonoids are powerful antioxidants that are especially effective at protecting the fats, proteins, and DNA in skin cells against free radicals. Some studies show that bioflavonoids are more protective to the skin than even vitamins C and E.
Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) is also an excellent antioxidant that is effective both internally and externally. It is produced naturally by the body, but you can also take it as a supplement. ALA seems to help other antioxidants such as vitamins C and E work better too. It's great for wrinkles, dark circles under the eyes, acne scars, and overall skin tone and texture.
Herbs such as licorice, paper mulberry, yellow dock, bearberry, yeast, and rice extract are recognized for their abilities to brighten the skin and minimize areas of discoloration.
Internal Skin Care
Stress and anxiety on the inside will often show themselves through the appearance of our skin on the outside. Stress reduction and management is a must for our overall health and for that of our skin as well. Here are a few tips for dealing with stress and helping your skin too.
Facials are terrific for both your skin and your peace of mind. A facial will relax you and boost your skin health as well. I also recommend the daily use of a facial mist such as Hydra-Tone™
Exercise will lessen stress and improve the circulation of nutrients and elimination of waste.
Stress reduction techniques such as deep breathing or stretching will also help to heal your body and mind.
Rest is also important to your total wellness. Getting plenty of quality sleep is critical for your health.
A nutritious diet is vital to your body's health and well-being, and to that of your skin specifically. Eat an abundance of whole foods (organic fruits and vegetables) daily to get the building blocks your body needs to work at peak efficiency.
About the Author
Loretta Lanphier, ND, CN, HHP, CH is a Doctor of Naturopath, Clinical Nutritionist, Holistic Health Practitioner and Clinical Herbalist in Houston, TX and Founder / CEO of Oasis Advanced Wellness. Under her leadership, OAW is known and respected as one of the leading companies in providing safe, clean and hi-tech natural health and wellness solutions for whole body wellness. Because of the need for high-end natural and organic skin care products, Dr. Lanphier has developed Lanique Botanicals, an all-natural skin care line which promotes natural health and anti-aging solutions for the skin. All Lanique Botanicals and OAW developed products are free of toxic ingredients, heavy metals, irradiation, excipients and preservatives and are certified organic, organic, wild crafted or of the highest purity and quality that we can obtain while still providing the utmost degree of active ingredients. All product batches are laboratory tested to ensure that you are getting exactly what the label states. We will never knowingly compromise health in order to provide a cheaper product or to get a product out quickly. Lanphier is Editor and contributor to the worldwide Free E-newsletter Advanced Health & Wellness. Please visit us at Oasis Advanced Wellness, the PMS-Progesterone-Menopause Resource Center, the Acne Resource Center, the Glyconutrient Resource Center, the Allergy-Asthma-Sinus Relief Resource Center and www.oasisserene.com
